July 9, St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Marian Hossa turned down a chance at lifetime security - the $56 million Campbell got - to sign a one-year deal in Detroit. "You have to give him a lot of credit," observed Blues coach Andy Murray, who applauded the winger's desire to compete for the Stanley Cup at the expense of personal wealth.

Of course, Hossa's value will only go up this season . . . unless he suffers a catastrophic injury.

If the Continental Hockey League takes off, Marian could command an eight-digit salary to jump in 2009. Or he could command a maximum salary in the NHL - and that figure could keep climbing.
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In an overlooked move, the Wings also locked in defenseman Brad Stuart to a new deal. He came to Motown as a rental player and helped win a Cup. His retention solidifies an already powerful defensive unit.

Finally, the Calgary Herald's George Johnson penned a three-pager that might sound very familiar, circa February, 2007, to Wings fans:

Of trouble, for defencemen. Of controversy, for the curious public. Of gruff ill humour, for the media.

In an astonishing move, the Calgary Flames hitched their little (Sea of) Red wagon to the 33-year-old ol' Cannoli Truck, Big Bert, on Monday, in hopes that he has enough tread left on those oversized tractor tires to help haul them out of the bog and back into the playoffs.

One thing's for certain: Toxicity levels down at the ol' Saddledome, already dangerously high, just took a little additional bump.

Admit it: Upon hearing THAT name didn't you need a spatula to scrape the shattered remnants of your jawbone off the pavement?

Todd Bertuzzi?! A . . . a . . . Flame?!

Remember that feeling? It's a little nicer to register the same amount of confusion about Marian Hossa joining the Wings?